PROGRAM FOR EAGLE COURT OF HONOR

On behalf of Troop 226, Boy Scouts of America, I would like to welcome you all to this Eagle Court of Honor for Benjamin Resnick and Lee Bronsnick. I will now ask David Turkel-Parella to advance the Color Guard to the front of the room.

[David Turkel-Parella leads Color Guard to front of room].

I would now like to call upon Dr. Harvey Gross who will lead us in singing the Star Spangled Banner and the Hatikva.

[Dr. Gross leads audience in singing these anthems].

Will the Eagle Guard of Honor please escort Benjamin Resnick and Lee Bronsnick and their parents to the front of the room?

[Eagle Guard of Honor escorts them to the front of the room].

I would now like to introduce some of our honored guests, and would ask them to kindly rise:

Lee's maternal grandfather, Mel Lee, and Charlotte Lee

Lee's paternal grandmother, Goldie Bronsnick

Benjamin's maternal grandmother, Sarah Bronstein

I'd also like to read a fax from Benjamin's "bubbie," Sophie Resnick, who can't be here tonight:

I now call upon Rabbi David Feldman, Rabbi of the Teaneck Jewish Center, who will give us his greetings.

[Rabbi Feldman delivers greetings].

Thank you, Rabbi Feldman. We are also pleased to welcome George Jack Wall, President of the Teaneck Jewish Center, who will extend his greetings.

[George Wall extends his greetings].

Thank you, George.

I would now like to recognize those Eagle Scouts who are with us this evening. Will you please rise as I call your name:

Harvey Gross, Sheriff Jack Terhune, Joshua Goldstein

If there are any other Eagle Scouts in the audience, would you please rise so that we can recognize you.

You may now be seated.

Tonight we have the honor and pleasure of presenting you, Benjamin and Lee, with the rank of Eagle Scout. It has been said that in Baden-Powell's original idea of the Scouting program, he felt that there was little point in teaching the technicalities of Scouting to young men unless, at the same time, you developed in them the qualities that made them self-reliant, worthy of trust, tough of body and mind, and with an indomitable spirit -- men able to be on their own -- to be trusted on their own. So, when we do find young men who we feel have displayed the potentials which Lord Baden-Powell expressed, we think they should be recognized and encouraged. We are here tonight to provide this recognition by awarding the Eagle Badge to Benjamin and Lee.

I will now call upon Hillel Glazer, the Senior Patrol Leader of the troop, who will lead us in a candle lighting ceremony.

[Candle lighting ceremony]

I would now like to review the Scouting background of our Eagle candidates.

Lee Bronsnick began his Scouting career as a Webelos Scout with Pack 171, chartered to the Whittier School in Teaneck. In November 1988, he joined Troop 226, and on Thanksgiving of that year he attended his first overnight with the troop at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco. He earned the rank of Tenderfoot in March 1989, and became a Second Class scout in June 1990. Lee also earned the Ner Tamid award in June 1991. For two years, Lee attended the Bergen Academy of Reform Judaism on Wednesday nights, in furtherance of his religious education, and was therefore unable to come to most of our meetings. As a result, he did not achieve the First Class rank until January 1992. But once he had the opportunity, he rapidly advanced through the ranks, becoming a Star Scout in May 1992. In the summer of 1992, he attended Floodwood Mountain Scout Reservation with the troop, and he served as the troop's Senior Patrol Leader in the fall of 1992. In December 1992, he was awarded the rank of Life, and he was also elected to membership in the Order of the Arrow. By April 1993, he completed his 21 required merit badges for the Eagle rank, and he finished his service project in May.

Benjamin Resnick joined the troop in September 1989. Like Lee, his first overnight was the annual Thanksgiving overnight at Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco. Apparently, that overnight has special meaning to him, since he still wears the patch from the overnight on his uniform. He achieved the Tenderfoot rank in January 1990, and by February 1991 he had earned the rank of First Class. In the meantime, he also earned the Ner Tamid Award. Benjamin reached the rank of Star in September 1991, and was awarded Life in March 1992. He served as the troop's Senior Patrol Leader during the spring and summer of 1992. During the summers of 1990, 1991 and 1992, Benjmain attended both Camp Kunatah and Floodwood Mountain Scout Reservation with the troop. In the summer of 1991, he was elected to the Order of the Arrow in a special ordeal held at Camp Kunatah. During the following summer, he played a part in the ceremony with very little advance notice, and did an outstanding job. He has since become a member of the regular ceremonial team of the Oratam Lodge, the Order of the Arrow lodge of our council, and he has performed with distinction at several weekends. Benjamin completed his Eagle project by the end of March 1993, and he has earned over 26 merit badges -- enough to qualify him for his first palm.

Of course, both Benjamin and Lee came along with the troop to many overnight camping trips. One of the most memorable ones was on Memorial Day weekend 1992. Many boys in the troop came up to the Catskill Mountains on a beautiful Sunday morning for rock climbing, and most intended to camp out overnight. But when the temperature dropped considerably and it started raining, the vast majority of the Scouts found themselves unprepared for these conditions, and went home. Only Lee, Benjamin and one other scout from our troop remained. We camped overnight and climbed Slide Mountain -- the highest mountain in the Catskills -- the next day. It was quite an experience, and showed how our Eagle candidates were ready and prepared to face unexpected challenges.

Most recently, both Lee and Benjamin (along with three other members of the troop) accompanied me to Philmont Scout Ranch this past summer, where we backpacked through the wilderness of New Mexico for over 70 miles. I must say that in the sixteen years that I have served as the Scoutmaster of this troop, this was probably the most outstanding trip I have taken. The cooperation and exceptionally positive attitude of the boys made it a really wonderful experience. I particularly remember one night, when I was attempting to assist in the clean-up of dinner, I was told by one of the Scouts that I should not be doing that, since it is the responsibility of the Scouts alone -- and not the Scoutmaster -- to prepare and clean-up after the meals! That trip culminated with a challenging hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. And to finish the summer, both Lee and Benjamin went to the National Jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia with Troop 1205, sponsored by Howard Spielman of Sharon, Massachusetts -- the only Sabbath-observant troop at the Jamboree.

As you can see, Benjamin and Lee, we are all very proud of your achievements, and we know that you have worked very hard to earn the Eagle rank that you will be awarded tonight.

I would now like to call upon Mayer Resnick, the father of Benjamin and the Troop Committee Chairman.

[Mayer Resnick delivers comments]

Thank you, Mayer.

As you know, an important part of the requirements for Eagle is the successful completion by the candidate of a service project that benefits the community. This project must be planned by the Eagle candidate, and it is must be carried out with the help of others under his guidance and supervision. Benjamin Resnick's project involved the construction of bird houses and their installation at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood. I will now call upon John Traynor, of the Bergen County Chapter of the National Audubon Society, who will tell us about Ben's project.

[John Traynor delivers remarks].

Thank you, John. Lee Bronsnick's project involved the improvement of a nature trail at the Matthew Feldman Nature Preserve in Teaneck. I will now call on Jordan Wouk, who will tell us about Lee's project.

[Jordan Wouk delivers remarks].

Thank you, Jordan.

I now call upon Dr. Harvey Gross, a member of the Troop Committee of Troop 226, to deliver the Eagle Charge:

Benjamin and Lee, I have the honor to give you the Eagle Scout Charge on the occasion of your elevation to the highest rank in Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of all nations constitute one of the most wholesome and significant movements in this century, and you have been counted worthy of this high rank in the Boy Scouts of America. All who know you rejoice in your achievements.

Your position, as you know, is one of honor and responsibility. As Eagle Scouts, you have assumed a solemn obligation to do your duty to God, to your country, to your fellow scouts and to mankind in general. This is a great undertaking. As you live up to your obligations, you bring honor to yourselves and to your brother scouts.

Your responsibility goes beyond your fellow scouts; it extends to all men everywhere, to your country and to your God. America has many good things to give you and your children after you, but these good things depend for the most part on the quality of her citizens. Our country has had a great past. You are here to help make the future greater.

I charge you to undertake your citizenship with a solemn dedication, and to use your skills and abilities for the common good. Be leaders, but lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do and every office you hold to the high level of service to God and to your fellow man. So live and serve that those who know you will be inspired to the finest living. Build America on the solid foundation of clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God and, whatever others may do, you will leave behind you a record of which every scout may be justly proud.

Congratulations!

I now have the honor of calling upon Ele Danenza, District Advancement Chairman, who will administer the Eagle Oath.

Benjamin and Lee, may I congratulate you and may I remind you that Scouting should always reflect your attitudes and the ideals of service to others -- in the home, in the school and in the community.

Will you now rededicate yourselves and repeat after me the Oath of the Eagle:

I reaffirm my allegiance -- to the three parts of the Scout Oath -- and thoughtfully recognize -- and take upon myself -- my obligations and responsibilities -- to my fellow scouts -- my home -- my country -- and my God -- I recognize my obligations as an Eagle Scout -- and on my honor -- I will do my best -- to make my training and example -- my rank and my influence -- strongly count for better Scouting -- and for better citizenship -- in my Troop and in my community -- and I will at all times do my best -- to assist other scouts -- who are climbing the trail of Eagle -- and to give back more to Scouting -- than it has given to me -- and to be a living example of the Scout Oath and Law -- to the best of my ability -- to this I pledge my sacred honor.

Therefore, by the authority vested in me by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, it is my privilege and pleasure to pronounce you Eagle Scouts.

May I congratulate you again, and may I remind you that Scouting should now become an even greater tie between son and parents, binding you even more closely together. I express the confidence that you will honor Scouting with lives of service as today Scouting honors you. May God bless you and may the Oath you have just taken remain engraved on your hearts always.

Dan Flynn, the District Executive for the Overpeck District, will now present Benjamin and Lee with the Eagle insignia.

Benjamin and Lee, these Eagle Scout Badges are recognitions of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, presented through the local council and this Court of Honor. They represent accomplishment in scouting skills, in leadership and in scout spirit, as represented by living the Scout Oath and Law.

Not every boy, or even every Scout, qualifies for the high rank of Eagle. Because of the strenuous physical and high mental requirements set forth in the required merit badges, only 1% of all boys in scouting in the United States achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

Perhaps an even more difficult and more important requirement for the Eagle rank is the personal character of the scout, as reflected in his attitude toward God and the ideals of scouting. He must show a high degree of spirit of cheerful service to others, which is the basis for good citizenship.

I am happy to report that an investigation by our Board of Review reveals that you have qualified in all of these requirements, so it gives me great pleasure to present to your mothers your Eagle Scout Badges, and I will ask them to pin them in the correct position on your uniforms. [Present one badge to Mrs. Resnick, who will pin it on Benjamin, and the other badge to Mrs. Bronsnick, who will pin it on Lee].

I also present you with these certificates, these cards and these patches which you will wear on your uniforms as symbols of the Eagle rank which you have achieved.

Congratulations!

Sheldon Levey, a former Scoutmaster of the troop and one of those who first introduced me to Scouting sixteen years ago, will now present the Miniature Eagle Scout Badges and Tie Pins to the Eagles, for presentation to their parents.

Benjamin and Lee, the National Council, through your local council, has presented you with the Eagle Scout Badge. It also gives you this miniature Eagle Scout Badge and Tie Pin. As your first official duty, you may present them to your parents, whom you love, and who have assisted you to attain this highest scouting honor.

[Each scout presents miniature badge to his mother and tie pin to his father].

These miniature tokens are emblematic of parental faith, love and encouragement, without which very few scouts are able to reach the highest rank in Scouting. Your parents are privileged to wear them as mementos of this occasion.

Congratulations!

I would now like to call upon the various dignatories who have presentations for Benjamin and Lee.

[Remarks]

I would now like to call upon the Eagle Scouts themselves, who wish to deliver some remarks. First I will call upon Benjamin Resnick.

[Benjamin Resnick delivers remarks]

I would now like to call upon Lee Bronsnick.

[Lee Bronsnick delivers remarks]

For over ten years, we have been privileged to have Harry Kissileff as an Assistant Scoutmaster of the troop. Harry has had a great influence on many scouts in the troop, and has contributed greatly to its achievements. Both Benjamin and Lee requested Harry to act as Master of Ceremonies this evening, and he expected to do so. Unfortunately, his father passed away last Thursday, and he is therefore unable to attend the ceremony this evening. Harry has prepared an inspiring Eagle Challenge, which he had intended to read tonight himself. I would like to call upon David Rosenfeld, another Assistant Scoutmaster, who will deliver the Eagle Challenge on Harry's behalf.

As the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle, which nests highest among the birds, symbolizes the challenge that lies ahead for those who attain this rank. The honor of wearing the Eagle badge must be matched by your responsibility to continue living up to the ideals of Scouting, which are also the ideals of our Jewish heritage. Just as the eagle represents the most magnificent of birds, so you, as Eagles, must continue to be the most exemplary of Scouts. To help you in this challenge, I would like to remind you of the link between the three parts of the Scout Oath, one of the sayings of our Sages, and the eagle, as it is described in Jewish sources.

The great Sage Hillel said [Avot 1:14]: "If I am not for myself, who will be for me?" Your first duty must be to keep your body physically strong and your mind mentally awake. This is duty to self. In another saying [Avot 5:23], we are admonished to be "light as an eagle," along with being bold as a leopard, strong as a lion, and swift as a deer. These comparisons of the human character to physical prowess of the animals remind us of our duty to ourselves.

Our Sage Hillel, however, was quick to remind us of our second Scouting duty with the words: "If I am for myself alone, what am I?" By implication, we are to be mindful of the needs of others, just as the Scout Law tells us to "help other people at all times." This duty is reminiscent of God's description of his treatment of the Jewish people: "As an eagle stirs up her nest, hovers over her young, spreads her wings and takes them on her pinions, the Lord did lead him" [Deuteronomy 32:11]. Ben and Lee, as Senior Patrol Leaders in our troop you have consistently demonstrated your concern for others, and your Eagle projects have shown that concern, as we have already heard. We have no doubt that you will continue to serve your community as you have served your fellow scouts, and that you will continue to help others up the Trail to Eagle as those before you have helped you.

As you widen your circle of helpfulness, you will come to realize the importance and interconnectedness of the third part of Hillel's saying: "If not now, when?" These four words hold such keys that I cannot fully describe them, but they allude to Him who holds all keys and to the importance of doing a mitzvah as soon as possible, lest its time be gone. Time is a gift from our Creator, and we are continually admonished to use it wisely. When we do so, we come closer to His Presence. And, thus, our third great duty is our "duty to God." This is the most difficult of all to realize, but to help us in our quest, keep in mind that the eagle is also a symbol of wonder and marvel, as it says in Proverbs [30:17-18]: "Three things are beyond me; four I cannot fathom." "How an eagle makes its way over the skies" is the first. How does such a large bird glide so gracefully through the skies? Even with all modern man's technological skill, there is still room for this kind of marvel. The lofty perch and amazing flight of the Eagle reminds the Eagle Scout of his duty to God and country, the first part of the Scout Oath.

Duties to self, to others, and to God and Country comprise the three parts of the Scout Law, and can be interpreted out of the texts of our tradition. Keep them in mind as you go forward as Eagle Scouts, and you will continue to be a credit to yourselves, your parents, your troop and your people.

As a token of recognition of your achievements as Eagle Scouts, Troop 226 wishes you to have these books. The availability of only one copy of each makes it necessary that you each receive a different book. However, it is our hope that you will share these books with each other, with your families and with your fellow scouts. They describe two aspects of Scouting tradition that I think are close to your interests. One explains the many Jewish texts in relation to the natural world, and the other gives directions to many of the more inspiring natural places in Israel. Since both of your Eagle projects involved work in the natural environment, we are sure that these books will add another dimension to those interests. Read them and use them in the best of health and happiness!

We have just presented two Eagle Badges. These badges are marks of identity. They are things of beauty. Yet they are only combinations of cloth and metal that will fade into the dim distance in the light of the ideals for which they stand and for which Benjamin and Lee have grown to believe in and will grow up to more fully understand.

In closing this court, it is our hope that what you have been witness to this evening will be an ever-present inspiration to all.

Thank you for joining us this evening.

We now invite you to a reception honoring our new Eagle Scouts. Please note that one of the cakes is dairy, although the others are pareve. Also, while the refreshments are being served in the back of this room, the doors to the right in the back of the auditorium lead to a sukkah, and you may bring your refreshments to the sukkah and eat them there, if you choose to do so.

I will now ask Aharon Charnov to lead us in the closing ceremony.

[Aharon Charnov leads closing ceremony]